Bini nails France's colours to the mast

France coach Bruno Bini has named his squad for UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ more than two months before kick-off in Finland, explaining: "I firstly chose the girls who are hungry to win and then the ones who hate to lose."

'Two challenges'
There are no suprises in Bini's selection, who will gather together in mid-July to start their preparations for the tournament, which should include friendly games against Japan and Scotland. "We have two challenges to consider," Bini said. "The first one is to advance from the group stage, then we'll set new goals for the knockout phase later." France open their Group B campaign against Iceland in Tampere on 24 August and meet Germany at the same venue three days later, before taking on Norway on 30 August in Helsinki.

France squad
Goalkeepers: Sarah Bouhaddi (FCF Juvisy), Céline Deville (Montpellier Hérault SC), Bérangère Sapowicz (Paris Saint-Germain FC).

Defenders: Delphine Blanc (RC Saint-Etienne), Sonia Bompastor (Washington Freedom), Ludivine Diguelman (Montpellier Hérault SC), Sandrine Dusang (Olympique Lyonnais), Laura Georges (Olympique Lyonnais), Ophélie Meilleroux (Nord Allier Yzeure), Sabrina Viguier (Montpellier Hérault SC).

Midfielders: Camille Abily (Los Angeles Sol), Élise Bussaglia (Montpellier Hérault SC), Corine Franco (Olympique Lyonnais), Amandine Henry (Olympique Lyonnais), Louisa Nécib (Olympique Lyonnais), Sandrine Soubeyrand (FCF Juvisy), Gaétane Thiney (FCF Juvisy).

Forwards: Sandrine Brétigny (Olympique Lyonnais), Candie Herbert (FC Hénin-Beaumont), Eugénie Le Sommer (Stade Briochin FF), Élodie Thomis (Olympique Lyonnais), Laëtitia Tonazzi (FCF Juvisy).